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66 . As the lord of Rakshasas was ranging the earth frightening everyone, Naérada—foremost of ascetics, came to that wood mounted on a cloud. And thereupon saluting him, the night-ranger Ten-necked one—-enquired after his welfare as well as the occasion of his visit. And that Devarshi—the exceedingly energetic Narada of immeasurable

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splendour, seated on the back of the cloud, addressed Ravana, who was stationed in Pushpaka, saying,—‘O lord of Rakshasas, O placid one, O son of Vicrava, stay. I am well pleased with thy prowess and fame. And even as Vishnu had pleased me by destroying the Daityas, thou pleased me by harassing the Gandharvas and serpents. I will tell thee something. If thou wouldst hear what I have to say then, O child, listen heedfully as I unfold it. Why, my child, dost thou slay these*; thou art incapable of being slain by even the celestials. All these (men) are subject to death, they are verily slain. The world of man is unworthy of being afflicted by thee who art incapable of being destroyed by Deities, Danavas Daityas, Yakshas, Gandharvas’ and Rakshas. Who should slay creatures, who are ever stupid in respect of their welfare, environed by mighty dangers, and encompassed by decrepitude and hundreds of ailments ? What sensible person can set his heart on slaying human beings who are everywhere beset with. a perrennial stream of evils. Do not thou enfeeble those beings who are already enfeebled and smitten by Divinity with hunger, thirst, old age etc. and who are overwhelmed with sorrow, and grief. O mighty-armed one, O lord of Rakshasas, behold man, albeit having their sense stupified, engaged in the pursuit of various interests, and themselves not understanding their own ways;t some pass their time merrily with dancing and playing on musical instruments while others weep distressfully with tears streaming from their eyes down their cheeks. And down fallen on account of their attachmént for their mothers and fathers and sons, and of their desires touching their wives and friends they set small store by labours having the hereafter as their * i. e. human beings. + Gati—according to the commentator, means the time of employment and suffering.—I think the ordinary meaning answers, and give it accordingly.—T. .

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object. What then is the use of afflicting a race that is brought down ever by its own infatuation. O placid one, this world is verily conquered by thee. These for certain will have to repair to the abode of Yama. Therefore, O Paulastya, O captor of hostile capitals, do thou put down Yama. Qn him being coriquered, all will doubtless be conquered by thee.’ Thus addressed Lanka’s lord, flaming in native energy, addressed Narada, laughing and saluting him, ‘O thou that delightest in the sport of gods and Gandharvas, and that takest pleasure in warfare, I am ready to go to the nethermost regions for the purpose of conquest. And conquering the three worlds, and bringing under subjection serpents and celestials I shall for ambrosia churn the nether regions. Then the reverend sage Narada spoke unto the Ten-necked one,—‘Who save thee can forsooth go on that journey? Verily, O irrepressible one, O destroyer of foes, the way leading to the city of the lord of the dead is difficult of access.’ Thereat laughing, the Ten-faced one said to the saint resembling a mass of white clouds, ‘This is done. Therefore,* O great Brahman, intent upon slaying the Vaivagwata’s son, I will go by this way which leadeth to the king—the offspring of the sun. And, O master, from wrath I have vowed that I will, eager for encounter, O reverend one, conquer the four Lokapalas. Then. here gol to the city of the lord of the Pitris; and I am determined to compass the death of him that visiteth creatures with smart.’ Having delivered himself thus and saluted the sage, he, entering the southern way with his councillors, proceeded along. And the exceedingly energetic Narada— best of Brahmans—resembling a smokeless fire, remaining rapt for a while, began to reflect ;—‘How can (Ravana) conquer Time who, when its life waneth, righteously visiteth with affliction the time, sphere with Indra, fraught with mobile * 7, e, As thou hast commanded me. 203

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and immobile. How can this lord of Rakshasas, of himself, go to him who, resembling another fire, beareth to the gifts and acts (of persons),—that high-souled one of whom attaining consciousness, people put forth their activity ; and afflicted with the fear of whom these three worlds fall away ? How can (Ravana) subdue him who ordaineth things both great and small, whe meteth rewards and punishments for good and bad acts, and who himself hath conqueredthe three worlds ? Resorting* to what other means shall Ravana secure (victory)? I am curious about it: To Yama’s abode shall I go for witnessing the encounter between Yama and the Rakshasa.”